CARE FILE INFO SPARKS INQUIRY
A laptop computer containing sensitive information about a boy in care was bought at a car boot sale.
The machine was picked up in Blaydon, with its new owner discovering documents relating to Sunderland City Council and a boy in care when it was powered up.
Files carrying information included an assessment relating to carers, personal information connected to social service staff and a care plan for the child.
The man also found documents – which included names, contact information, details of the home where the boy had been cared for and why he was there.
An application on future foster carers, social services contact details and a document bearing the employee’s address, car and badge number were also spotted by the buyer.
The authority has said it is working to establish how the laptop ended up being sold.
A council spokesman said: “We would like to thank the gentleman concerned for getting in touch to help us to begin to estab- lish what has happened, and for his co-operation in arranging for the retrieval of the laptop.
“Sunderland City Council and its partner agencies take the protection of data very seriously.
“We have robust procedures to ensure that sensitive material such as social care records is stored securely and is encrypted by default on staff laptops to protect the privacy of customers.
“Staff are being reminded that they must not use un-encrypted equipment, and to immediately report the loss of any IT equipment.”
“We would like to thank the gentleman concerned” COUNCIL SPOKESMAN